Frequently asked questions
Are these paintings really hand-painted?
Yes. Every piece listed as an original is painted by hand on cotton canvas by a painter in the Kathmandu Valley. We don’t sell prints as originals. If a listing is a copy of a composition, it is still an individually hand-painted copy, and the listing says how many exist.
Are any of them antiques?
No. We only sell contemporary work by living painters, and each listing shows the year it was painted. Nepal restricts the export of religious objects over 100 years old, and we don’t trade in them at all.
What’s the difference between mineral pigment and acrylic?
Traditional thangka are painted with stone-ground mineral pigments and real gold, which are slower to work with, deeper in colour and very lightfast. Many modern pieces use acrylic, which is brighter and cheaper. Each listing states the materials, and we only say mineral pigment or 24k gold when we have verified it.
What does the size on the listing mean?
The size is the painted area, in centimetres, width × height. Most pieces are unmounted — just the painted canvas. If a piece has a silk brocade mount, the mounted size is larger and the listing says so.
Can the painting be blessed or consecrated?
The listing says whether a piece has already been blessed. If you’d like a piece consecrated before delivery, contact us before you order and we’ll tell you what we can arrange and how long it takes.
Can I frame it, or have it mounted in brocade?
Both work. For framing, ask your framer for acid-free backing and a small air gap behind glass. For a traditional silk brocade mount, contact us — we can arrange it in Australia.
How much is delivery, and how long does it take?
A$65 anywhere in Australia, insured, signature on delivery. Free on orders over A$3,000. We dispatch within 1–2 business days; metro delivery takes 2–3 business days and regional 3–5. Everything ships from our stock in Australia.
Do you ship overseas?
Not yet. Contact us with the piece and your address and we’ll quote.
Can I return it if it isn’t right?
Yes. You have 14 days from delivery to return a piece for any reason, in the condition it arrived. If it’s damaged, faulty or not as described, that’s on us — the Australian Consumer Law gives you a repair, replacement or refund, and nothing in our terms limits that. See Shipping and returns.
The colours look different on my screen.
We photograph every piece in daylight-balanced light, but screens vary, and gold in particular changes with the light in your room. If the colour isn’t what you expected, it falls under our 14-day returns.
How do I pay? Is it secure?
By card, Apple Pay or Google Pay at checkout. Payment is handled by Stripe; we never see or store your card number. Prices include GST and there are no card surcharges.
Do prices include GST? Will I get a tax invoice?
All prices include GST. A tax invoice showing the GST is linked from your confirmation email, and you can open it any time from Track an order.
How long is a piece held in my cart?
30 minutes. While it’s in your cart no one else can buy it. If you don’t finish checkout in that time, it goes back on sale.
How do I track my order?
We email a tracking number when the courier collects. You can also check at Track an order with your order number and email.
Can I see a painting in person?
Often, yes — contact us to arrange a time.
How should I care for it?
Hang it away from direct sun, heaters and damp walls. Roll it from the bottom, painting side in; never fold it. Dust with a soft dry brush and never use water on the painted surface.
Something else? Contact us — a person replies, usually the same business day.